45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2001

REQUESTING THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT TO STUDY THE EFFICACY OF ALTERNATIVE PLACEMENT OPTIONS IN ADDITION TO POLICIES TO ENCOURAGE ADOPTION.

WHEREAS, every child has the right to a loving and nurturing family; and

WHEREAS, children, especially when taken into custody by the state due to abuse and neglect, need consistency and stability; and

WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico, through the children, youth and families department, desires to serve children needing long-term or permanent placement outside the home in the most effective and efficient manner and with the highest quality of service possible; and

WHEREAS, currently, when an abused or neglected child remains in the custody of the children, youth and families department, the child will average three placements within his first year of custody and often several additional placements during the time the child remains in custody; and

WHEREAS, it is not unusual for a child to have four or more social workers managing his case during the course of custody for abuse and neglect; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to New Mexico law and the federal Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, every child who is eligible for adoption should be in a permanent placement consistent with that child's individual needs;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the children, youth and families department be requested to study the efficacy of alternative placement, including congregate care and small regulated community adoption and permanency homes, in addition to foster and adoptive homes, and submit a plan of study to the appropriate interim legislative committee in June 2001 and its findings and suggested legislation, if any, to the same committee in October 2001; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico legislative council and the children, youth and families department.